Clayton - who nearly married supermodel Naomi Campbell some time back - says he's fed up being a bachelor.

The U2 bassist says, "I've never necessarily chosen to be a bachelor. I've had girlfriends throughout the past 20 or 30 years.

"It's just that there were times when I met people who fascinated me and times I didn't. In a loving relationship, as an expression of freedom and fantasy, I think sex is very important."

Clayton, who stopped drinking in 1997, said he's also had enough of the rock star crazy lifestyle.

"I stopped drinking 12 years ago, and it was time. I'd had enough of drinking, drugging and nightclubs. It was a difficult decision to change my life, and it took a while to re-programme, but I've no regrets at all. I've enjoyed every bit of my life. I've had the best of it both ways."

And - to prove he's really an Irish boy at heart - he confessed that the one thing he always makes sure he has on tour is Barry's tea.

"I know it sounds crazy, but if you don't travel with your own tea, it never tastes the same."